Preview
Send
Share
Details
Guide
Download
Similars
X-Ray
Diaporama
StatsBroad Turning
Acrylic On Canvas- WallArt
- Color Field Painting
1958
230.0 x 384.0 cm
Dallas Museum of Art
Read More
The artwork displayed on this page is protected by copyright law, which means we cannot legally create or sell an identical reproduction. This protection is enforced under international agreements such as the Berne Convention and by national laws, including those outlined by the U.S. Copyright Law - Title 17.
This method fully complies with copyright regulations because it does not involve copying or duplicating the protected artwork. Instead, it is a creative reinterpretation - a new painting that is influenced by the original but not identical to it.
Giclée / Art Print
Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. (
Buy Hand Made Painting Switch to Digital Image)
P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8
Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.
You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the image with a mirrored or solid-fill edge. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.
Worldwide Delivery () in 2 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. (10 October)
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
High-Quality Linen Canvas
Full Shipping Insurance
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
True Color Matching Guarantee
100-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
100% Money-Back Guarantee
Bulk Discount Offer
Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
Broad Turning
Giclée / Art Print
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 65
Broad Turning – A Symphony of Color and Fluidity
Morris Louis’s “Broad Turning,” created in 1958, stands as a cornerstone of Color Field painting—a movement that fundamentally shifted the trajectory of American art after World War II. More than just pigment on canvas; it's an immersive experience designed to evoke contemplation and capture the essence of natural phenomena like flowing water or wind.
Composition and Scale
The artwork’s horizontal orientation immediately establishes a sense of expansive calm. Bands of color cascade across the canvas, eschewing any central focal point—instead, the viewer's gaze wanders organically across the varying hues. Measuring 230 x 384 cm (approximately 9 ft. 10 in. x 15 ft. 7 in.), “Broad Turning” commands attention and creates an illusion of depth despite its flattened perspective.
Color Palette and Technique
Louis’s masterful use of color is central to the piece's impact. Primarily earthy tones—browns, ochres, yellows, and subtle hints of red and green—blend seamlessly together. The technique employed was revolutionary: Louis poured diluted Magna paint onto the canvas, allowing it to spread and merge naturally without visible brushstrokes. This process, dubbed “veil painting,” resulted in translucent layers that shimmered with reflected light.
Historical Context and Influences
"Broad Turning" emerged during a period of artistic experimentation following Abstract Expressionism, where artists sought to transcend representational imagery and prioritize pure visual sensation. Louis drew inspiration from Helen Frankenthaler’s staining technique—a method that similarly aimed for spontaneity and textural richness. The painting reflects the broader ethos of Color Field painting: an exploration of color as emotion and experience.
Symbolic Resonance and Emotional Impact
The flowing colors in “Broad Turning” can be interpreted as symbols of movement, transformation, and perhaps even a connection to primal forces. They invite viewers into a meditative state, fostering feelings of tranquility and wonder. Louis’s work continues to resonate with audiences today because it captures the sublime beauty of nature—a timeless pursuit that speaks to our deepest desires for harmony and contemplation.
Materials Used
- Canvas
- Acrylic Paint (Magna)
This artwork is housed at Dallas Museum of Art, Texas.
Questions & Answers
Is "Broad Turning" by Morris Louis in the public domain, and why?
"Broad Turning" by Morris Louis is still protected by copyright. Copyright duration runs from the artist's death, which occurred in 1962.
What was Morris Louis's age when "Broad Turning" was created?
Morris Louis made "Broad Turning" at the age of 46. The artist was born in 1912 and the work is dated 1958.
How much light do the colors of "Broad Turning" appear to reflect?
"Broad Turning" by Morris Louis has a soft shadow luminance. Luminance describes how much light the colors appear to reflect.
Which artist is "Broad Turning" attributed to?
The artist behind "Broad Turning" is Morris Louis. The work is catalogued under Morris Louis's name.
What feeling is "Broad Turning" associated with?
The emotional tone recorded for "Broad Turning" by Morris Louis is tranquil. It summarizes the feeling the work expresses.
In what year was "Broad Turning" by Morris Louis created?
"Broad Turning" dates from 1958. The date places the work within Morris Louis's career and its era.
Is there a factsheet about "Broad Turning" by Morris Louis for students?
A Guide page is available for "Broad Turning" by Morris Louis: a printable factsheet about the artwork, designed for students and classroom use.
Artist Biography
Early Life and Education
- Born: Morris Louis Bernstein, November 28, 1912, Baltimore, Maryland
- Parents: Louis Bernstein (furniture salesman) and Cecelia Luckman Bernstein.
- Education: Attended public schools in Baltimore; Maryland Institute of Fine and Applied Arts (now MICA), 1929-1932. Did not complete a degree.
- Early influences included Eugene Speicher and Paul Cézanne.
- Showed an early interest in art, encouraged by his family despite limited opportunities in Baltimore.
Development as an Artist & Key Influences
- 1930s: Worked various odd jobs to support himself while painting (vegetable peeling, laundry work, Gallup Poll research).
- 1934-1936: Participated in the Public Works of Art Project mural project under Sam Swerdloff.
- 1936-1937: Moved to New York City; experimented with techniques at the Siqueiros Workshop.
- Magna Paint Discovery (1948): A pivotal moment – Louis pioneered the use of Magna paint, a newly developed oil-based acrylic paint created for him by Leonard Bocour and Sam Golden. This allowed for greater fluidity and transparency in his work.
- Influence of Helen Frankenthaler: In 1953, Louis and Kenneth Noland visited Frankenthaler's studio and were deeply impressed by her stain paintings (particularly "Mountains and Sea"). This inspired their experimentation with pouring and staining techniques.
The Veil Paintings & Color Field Innovations
- Mature Veil Paintings (1954): Characterized by overlapping, superimposed layers of transparent color poured onto and stained into sized or unsized canvas.
- Technique: Extremely diluted paint was applied to an unprimed, unstretched canvas, allowing it to flow over the inclined surface, creating translucent color veils. This eliminated brushstrokes and emphasized flatness.
- Color Field Painting: Louis became a central figure in Color Field painting, simplifying pictorial space and emphasizing flat planes of intense color. He was part of the Washington Color School movement.
- Series & Styles: Beyond the Veil paintings, he explored series like florals, columns (1960), unfurleds (1960-61) – featuring rivulets of opaque color – and stripe paintings (1961-62).
Major Achievements & Historical Significance
- Pioneering Color Field Painting: Louis is recognized as a key innovator in Color Field painting, alongside artists like Kenneth Noland and Helen Frankenthaler.
- Influence on Abstract Expressionism: His work expanded the boundaries of Abstract Expressionism by focusing on color and flatness rather than gesture or composition.
- Washington Color School: A significant contributor to this influential movement, which emphasized a reductive approach to painting.
- Destruction of Works: Notably, Louis destroyed many of his paintings between 1955 and 1957, reflecting a critical self-assessment of his work.
- Legacy: His emphasis on color, flatness, and the materiality of paint continues to influence contemporary artists.
Later Years & Death
- Louis continued painting prolifically until his death.
- Death: Died September 7, 1962, in Washington, D.C., at the age of 49.
- Memorial Exhibition (1963): A significant exhibition was held at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum shortly after his death.
- Retrospective Exhibitions: Major retrospectives followed at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (1967), and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. (1976).
Morris Louis
1912 - 1962 , United States of America
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Morris Louis
- Nationality: American
- Date Of Birth: 1912
- Date Of Death: 1962
- Place Of Birth: Baltimore, United States of America
- Notable Artworks:
- High
- Number 1-36
- Where
- Number 1-68
- Gamma Tau
- Third Element
- Delta Theta
- Artistic Movement Or Style: Color Field painting
- Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Helen Frankenthaler
- Jackson Pollock
- Cézanne
- Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
- Kenneth Noland
- Washington Color School
Related Articles
Navigating Abstract Expression: A Guide to Contemporary Movements for Emotional Resonance in Art Selection
Explore the evolution of Abstract Expressionism & discover contemporary movements for emotional resonance. Expert guidance for discerning art collectors seeking lasting value. AllPaintingsStore.
Abstract Expressionism's 10 Defining Masterpieces |
Explore 10 defining Abstract Expressionism masterpieces by Pollock, Rothko & de Kooning. Discover the stories behind these iconic paintings and find museum-quality art reproductions to elevate your home decor on .
Morris Louis: Pioneering Color Field Painting & Abstract Expressionism's Legacy
Explore the groundbreaking abstract expressionism of Morris Louis, a pioneer of Color Field painting. Discover his innovative techniques, influential series & lasting legacy in post-war American art. Learn more at AllPaintingsStore.
Acrylic on Paper: A Modern Canvas for Contemporary Expression
Explore the versatility of acrylic painting on paper! Discover expert techniques, artist insights & archival practices for creating stunning contemporary art. Learn more at AllPaintingsStore.
Color Field Painting: The Emotional Power of Pure Abstraction and Chromatic Depth
Explore the profound emotional depth of Color Field painting. Discover the history of mid-century abstraction, from Rothko to Newman, and learn how pure color transforms the viewer's experience through our expert art history guide.
